Key Features of the IELTS Exam:
1. Purpose:
IELTS is used for admission to educational institutions, job applications, and visa applications for immigration in countries like the UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
2. Test Formats:
There are two types of IELTS tests:
IELTS Academic: For those applying for higher education or professional registration.
IELTS General Training: For work experience, job opportunities, or migration purposes.
3. Test Sections:
Listening: 30 minutes of listening to conversations and monologues followed by answering questions.
Reading: 60 minutes to read passages and answer comprehension questions.
Writing: 60 minutes to complete two writing tasks – one essay and one based on data or a letter.
Speaking: A 11-14 minute face-to-face interview with an examiner assessing spoken English skills.
4. Scoring:
IELTS scores are given on a 9-band scale, with 9 being the highest (expert user) and 1 the lowest (non-user). Each section is scored individually, and the overall score is an average of the four sections.
5. Duration:
The test takes around 2 hours and 45 minutes to complete, with the Listening, Reading, and Writing sections completed in one sitting, and the Speaking section held either on the same day or within seven days before or after the other sections.
6. Test Availability:
IELTS is available in more than 140 countries, and you can choose to take the test either on paper or on a computer.
7. Validity:
IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date, after which they expire.
8. Retaking the Test:
There is no limit to how many times you can retake IELTS. If you're unhappy with your score, you can retake the exam as soon as you're ready.
9. Acceptance:
IELTS is accepted by over 10,000 organizations worldwide, including universities, employers, professional bodies, and immigration authorities.